Disposable nonwoven mitt adapted to fit on a child&#39;s hand

ABSTRACT

A disposable nonwoven mitt with a child graphic disposed thereon and releasably carrying a benefit composition and is provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/737,237,filed Dec. 16, 2003.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright and/or trademark protection. The copyrightand trademark owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction byanyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears inthe Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwisereserves all copyright and trademark rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF INVENTION

A disposable nonwoven mitt with a child graphic disposed thereon andreleasably carrying a benefit composition and is provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Consumer products, such as, and conditioning products as well ashousehold consumer cleaning products, have traditionally been marketedin a variety of forms such as bar soaps, creams, foams, sprays, liquids,powders, lotions, and gels. Typically, these products must satisfy anumber of criteria to be acceptable to consumers. These criteria includeeffectiveness, skin feel, mildness to skin, suitability for use in theconsumer's household, and appearance. Typically these consumer productscomprise a benefit composition in some form.

It is highly desirable to deliver benefit compositions from a disposablesubstrate. Disposable products are convenient because they obviate theneed to carry or store cumbersome bottles, bars, jars, tubes, and otherforms of clutter associated with consumer products. Disposable productsare also a more sanitary alternative to the use of a sponge, washcloth,or other implement intended for extensive reuse, because such implementscan develop bacterial growth, unpleasant odors, and other undesirablecharacteristics related to repeated use.

However, while disposable articles, which can be easily used by youngchildren, are desirable they have their own problems. Retention in thehand of a user of such disposable articles, especially during vigorousscrubbing, is one such problem. If a washcloth is prone to fall offduring use the user is more concerned with retaining the article in handinstead of actually using the article for its intended purpose.

It can now be appreciated that using consumer products involves manyaspects for both the child and the caregiver, especially for the childincapable of reading. Some of these aspects affect children differently,or may not even be a factor for a particular child. It is thisuniqueness of each individual child that presents a major challenge forboth the child and the caregiver. If any of these aspects areunsuccessful, the child's progress in learning how to bathe or cleanproperly can be unnecessarily delayed due to numerous failures andfrustrations. In the past reusable wash mitts and sponges have been madein various shapes, such as puppets and with child appealing graphics, inorder to make the use of these products fun and enjoyable. However,these reusable products still suffer from the problems associated withrepeated use, i.e., bacterial growth, unpleasant odors, and otherundesirable characteristics related to extensive reuse. One the otherhand, while disposable products side step this problem of extensivereuse, no effort has been made to make disposable products moreappealing to children.

The problem remains that there is no disposable cleaning articles,products or system available for children of all ages and sizes, whichcan be easily handled and the method of utilizing easily understood, bythe child. The need also remains for disposable cleaning products whichare easy to use, appealing to and suitable for use by children, ofdifferent ages, all sizes and/or stages of development. Furthermore, theneed remains for an article which is retained in a user's hand such thatthe consumer can focus on the task at hand, namely washing and cleaning,without having to be concerned with retaining the article in their hand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention provides, a disposable nonwovenmitt adapted to fit on a child's hand comprising:

-   -   (a) first and second nonwoven sheet members in an overlying        relationship, the members defining an interior volume for        receiving the child's hand, each of the first and second        nonwoven sheet members including an exterior surface, having an        opposing interior surface, a top edge, a bottom edge opposing        the top edge, and first and second opposed side edges, the first        and second nonwoven sheet members being permanently secured to        each other along the periphery of the top edge and both of the        first and second opposed side edges, with the bottom edges being        unsecured so as to provide a substantial access opening to the        interior volume for readily inserting the child's hand therein;    -   (b) a benefit composition, the wherein at least one of the first        and second sheet members is releasably carrying the benefit        composition; and    -   (c) child graphic disposed on at least one of the first and        second sheet members.

All documents cited are, in relevant part, incorporated herein byreference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as anadmission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. Itshould be understood that every limit given throughout thisspecification will include every lower, or higher limit, as the case maybe, as if such lower or higher limit was expressly written herein. Everyrange given throughout this specification will include every narrowerrange that falls within such broader range, as if such narrower rangeswere all expressly written herein. All percentages, ratios andproportions are by weight, and all temperatures are in degrees Celsius(° C.), unless otherwise specified. All measurements are in SI unitsunless otherwise specified.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention andthe manner of attaining them will become more apparent, and theinvention itself will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a disposable nonwoven mitt adaptedto fit on a child's hand.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top plan view of the mitt of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view along 2-2 of one alternative embodiment ofthe mitt of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom plan view of another embodiment of adisposable nonwoven mitt adapted to fit on a child's hand.

FIG. 5 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a disposablenonwoven mitt adapted to fit on a child's hand.

FIG. 6 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a disposablenonwoven mitt adapted to fit on a child's hand.

FIG. 7 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a disposablenonwoven mitt adapted to fit on a child's hand.

FIG. 8 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a disposablenonwoven mitt adapted to fit on a child's hand.

FIG. 9 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a disposablenonwoven mitt adapted to fit on a child's hand.

FIG. 10 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a disposablenonwoven mitt adapted to fit on a child's hand.

FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of the mitt of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates one exemplary child graphic.

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative exemplary child graphic.

FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative exemplary child graphic.

FIG. 15 illustrates one embodiment of a disposable nonwoven mitt adaptedto fit on a child's hand having a child graphic thereon.

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative exemplary child graphic.

FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative exemplary child graphic.

FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative exemplary child graphic.

FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative exemplary child graphic.

FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative exemplary child graphic.

FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative exemplary child graphic.

FIG. 22 illustrates an alternative exemplary child graphic.

FIG. 23 illustrates an alternative exemplary child graphic.

FIG. 24 illustrates an alternative exemplary child graphic.

FIG. 25 illustrates an alternative exemplary child graphic.

FIG. 26 illustrates an alternative exemplary child graphic.

FIG. 27 illustrates an alternative exemplary child graphic.

FIG. 28 illustrates an alternative exemplary child graphic.

FIG. 29 illustrates an alternative exemplary child graphic.

FIG. 30 illustrates an alternative exemplary child graphic.

FIG. 31 illustrates an alternative exemplary child graphic.

FIG. 32 illustrates an alternative exemplary child graphic.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The instant disposable nonwoven mitt adapted to fit on a child's hand(or disposable nonwoven mitt, nonwoven mitt, or mitt), and methods ofthe present invention are suitable for use by children. Due to the easeand simple method of use very young children are able to use the instantarticles to an extent independently.

Definitions

As used herein the abbreviation “gsm” means “grams per square meter”.

As used herein, “disposable” is used in its ordinary sense to mean anarticle that is disposed or discarded after a limited number of usageevents, preferably about 2 or less, and more preferably about 1 entireusage events.

The term “releasably carrying” means that a composition is contained inand/or on a nonwoven member and is readily releasable from a nonwovenmember by application of water and/or application of some force to thenonwoven member, for example, wringing the disposable child sizedarticle, wiping a child, or immersing part or all of the disposablenonwoven mitt in water.

As used herein, the term “comprising” means that the various components,ingredients, or steps, can be conjointly employed in practicing thepresent invention. Accordingly, the term “comprising” is open-ended andencompasses the more restrictive terms “consisting essentially of” and“consisting of.” Other terms may be defined as they are discussed ingreater detail herein.

As used herein, the term “graphic” means any design, shape, pattern, orthe like that is or becomes visible on an article, and specificallyincludes text messages, that include one or more alphanumeric symbol,pictorial images that consist of one or more pictures, and combinationthereof.

As used herein, the term “child graphic” means any graphic which appealsto a child such that the child will want to possess and/or interact withthe disposable nonwoven mitt in some fashion, such as the typical use towhich the disposable nonwoven mitt is put. The child graphic may beaesthetically pleasing, objectively and/or subjectively desirable to anychild. The child graphic may in addition be aesthetically pleasingand/or objectively desirable to a child's caregiver. Typically, anychild graphic may be supportive and/or encouraging of a child. Thissupport and/or encouragement may be of any suitable subject matter, suchas but not limited to, providing advice to the child on any of a rangeof diverse subjects such as: education, e.g., numbers, letters, words,shapes and the like, child appropriate facts and factoids, andcombinations thereof; sports and games; jokes, rhymes, limerickshumorous stories and the like; social and religious issues, such as butnot limited to, sharing and caring, bullying, civics, and the like;safety, such as but not limited to, stranger danger, road safety,hygiene, (i.e., hand washing, bottom wiping and the like); andcombinations thereof. One such suitable subject matter of the supportand/or encouragement can be with respect to the child's desire topossess and/or interact with the disposable nonwoven mitt in somefashion.

A child graphic can comprise a character or characters. This charactermay be shown using the disposable nonwoven mitt in an appropriatefashion. The child graphic may additionally include one or more imagesof the character, characters or parts thereof, performing one or moresteps associated with using the disposable nonwoven mitt. Illustrativeexamples of such step(s) include, but are not limited to: preparationstep(s) associated with using the disposable nonwoven mitt, such as butnot limited to accessing the mitt and the like; lathering the mitt andthe like; using the mitt; and/or disposing of the spent mitt and/oroptional container and the like.

Without wishing to be limited to the specific embodiments listed,suitable examples of child graphics may include: a character graphicoperating a vehicle, and another child graphic comprising stars, balls,or the like; a character graphic jumping rope, and another child graphiccomprising flowers; a character graphic feeding or nurturing and animal,and another child graphic comprising letters of the alphabet; acharacter graphic holding or using a racquet, bat, glove, other sportingequipment, or illustrated on a sporting field, or the like, and anotherchild graphic comprising objects that are not associated with sports,sporting equipment or the like; a character graphic holding a butterflynet or the like and another child graphic comprising objects that arenot associated with butterflies or the like; a character graphic holdinga fishing pole, sitting in a boat or the like and another child graphiccomprising objects that are not associated with fish, inflatable watertoys or the like; a character graphic holding flowers, plants, gardeningtools or the like and another child graphic comprising objects that arenot associated with flowers, plants or gardening; a character graphiccomprising a pet or other animal or an anthropomorphous image feeding,training or nurturing an animal and another child graphic comprisingobjects that are not associated with pets, animals, animal food, pettoys, or the like; a character graphic playing in a specific environmentsuch as a doll house, barn yard or the like and optionally another childgraphic; a character graphic holding or using a telescope or the likeand another child graphic comprising objects such as stars, planets orthe like; a character graphic comprising a racecar and another childgraphic associated with racing; a character graphic comprising asubmarine and another child graphic comprising objects associated withfish, bubbles, shells or the like; or other suitable graphics.

The child graphic may vary depending upon the age and/or developmentalstage of the child. Typically, this would mean when a graphic isintended for a younger child, typically of approximate age 3 or 4, thegraphics will be simpler in nature and comprise bright colors, andtypically be easily identifiable and relatable to by a child of thatage. The selection of available colors as well as the possiblecomplexity of the child graphics may be increased as the age of theintended child increases. Typically, the older the intended child themore colors, especially subtle colors shades etc, and complex images areavailable for use on the article.

The child graphic may vary depending upon the gender of the intendedchild; for example, the child graphic may comprise colors and imageswhich are appealing to girls, such as pinks and images of dolls,rabbits, doll houses and the like or the child graphic may comprisecolors and images which are appealing to boys, such as blues androckets, construction machines, trains and the like. Alternatively, thechild graphic may comprise colors and images which are gender neutraland are appealing equally to girls and boys such as purples and greensand cartoon characters, or the child graphic may comprise colors andimages which comprise parts which are appealing to boys, parts which areappealing to girls and is overall appealing to both boys and girls.

The term “unrelated in subject matter” is used herein to mean that onegraphic is not the same as or is not associated with the subject matterof another graphic. The subject matter relationship or lack thereof canbe between two or more text messages, between two or more pictorialimages, or between a combination of one or more text messages and one ormore pictorial images. The term “text message” means a graphicconsisting of one or more alphanumeric symbols, and the term “pictorialimage” means a graphic consisting of one or more pictures. The terms“text image” and “pictorial image” are mutually exclusive as usedherein.

By way of illustration and without wishing to be limited to theenumerated examples, two pictorial images are considered unrelated insubject matter where the images: illustrate items that are neitheridentical nor different sizes, shapes, or colors of a common object;illustrate two objects that are not commonly associated with oneanother, such as an animal and a building block, a jump rope and aflower, a car and a star, a letter of the alphabet and a water toy, afish and an apple, illustrate items used in unrelated activities, suchas items used in sporting activities and items used in gardeningactivities, or other unrelated activities; or the like. Similarly, twotext messages are considered unrelated in subject matter where themessages: are neither identical nor jointly form a sentence, thought, oraction; refer to two items that are not commonly associated with oneanother, such as “ball” and “flower,” “fish” and “pencil,” “car” and“ghost,” or other such unrelated words; or the like. Likewise, a textmessage and a pictorial image are considered to be unrelated in subjectmatter where the text does not name, define, describe or otherwiserelate to the image.

As used herein, the phrase “related in subject matter” refers to thesituation where the subject matter of one graphic is the same as or isassociated with the subject matter of another graphic. By way ofexample, two pictorial images are considered related in subject matterwhere the images are identical; separately illustrate different sizes,shapes, colors of a common object; each illustrate one and the other oftwo objects that are commonly associated with one another, such as themoon and stars, a body of water and water toys, a sandbox and suitabletoys, a baseball bat and ball, a barn and animals, or the like;illustrate different items used in a particular activity, such as asporting activity, a gardening activity or the like; jointly illustrategeometrically mating or engaging elements such as a triangle and atriangularly-shaped aperture, or two halves of a zipper; each illustrateone part of a multipart picture; or the like. Similarly, two textmessages are considered related in subject matter where the messages:are identical; jointly form a sentence, thought, or action such as“jump” and “up”; each refer to one and the other of two items that arecommonly associated with one another, such as but not limited to “bat”and “ball; jointly present a question and answer; or the like. Likewise,a text message and a pictorial image are considered to be related insubject matter where the text names, defines or describes the image; orthe like.

The term “disposed on” and variations thereof are intended to mean thatone element can be integral with another element, or that one elementcan be a separate structure bonded to or placed with or placed nearanother element. Thus, the graphics can be formed or applied directly orindirectly to a surface of a substrate such as but not limited to anonwoven sheet member, any surface of a container, or other variationsor combinations thereof. In particular embodiments, the graphics can beprinted, sprayed, or otherwise applied directly on a layer of one of thenonwoven sheet members.

Disposable Nonwoven Mitt

Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated one possible embodiment of adisposable nonwoven mitt adapted to fit on a child's hand 10, inaccordance with the present invention. The disposable nonwoven mitt 10comprises a first nonwoven sheet member 20 which has an exterior surface30, an interior surface 40 (FIG. 3), a top edge 50, a bottom edge 60, afirst side edge 70 and a second side edge 80. The first nonwoven sheetmember 20, together with the complementary second nonwoven sheet member110 (FIG. 2), which are in an overlying relationship, define an interiorvolume 100 (FIG. 3) which is accessed by the user's hand via opening105.

The mitt 10 also comprises a benefit composition 90. The first nonwovensheet member 20 is releasably carrying a benefit composition 90. In oneembodiment of the present invention the benefit composition 90 may bepresent on a part of the first nonwoven sheet member 20, such as, butnot limited to, the exterior surface 30 in the form of stripes, spots,geometric patterns, non-geometric patterns or in a random distribution.In an alternative embodiment, the benefit composition 90 may be presenton the entire exterior surface 30 of the first nonwoven sheet member 20.In another an alternative embodiment the benefit composition 90 may bepresent in the interior of the first nonwoven sheet member, and/or theexterior surface of the nonwoven sheet member.

It is to be understood that while in FIG. 1 the exterior surface 30 ofthe first nonwoven sheet member 20 is releasably carrying the benefitcomposition 90 in other embodiments of the present invention the secondnonwoven sheet member may be releasably carrying the benefitcomposition. It is to be understood that there is no restriction as towhich of the first nonwoven sheet member and the second nonwoven sheetmember is releasably carrying the benefit composition. It is evenpossible that both the first and second nonwoven sheet members bereleasably carrying the benefit composition. Furthermore, the benefitcomposition may be carried on the exterior surface, interior, and/orinterior surface of a nonwoven member as long as the nonwoven member isreleasably carrying it. The benefit composition, such as but not limitedto, type, components, amount and the like, is explained in more detailherein.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a top plan view of the mitt 10of FIG. 1. The mitt 10 comprises a second nonwoven sheet member 110,which has an exterior surface 120, an interior surface 130 (FIG. 3), atop edge 150, a bottom edge 160, a first side edge 170 and a second sideedge 180.

FIG. 3 is sectional view along 2-2 showing a section view of anotheralternative embodiment of the mitt of FIG. 1. In FIG. 3 the firstnonwoven sheet member 20 is a single layer material, typically anonwoven material, such as a high loft batting material which isexplained in more detail herein. The first nonwoven sheet member 20 isalso releasably carrying the benefit composition which is evenlydistributed throughout the first nonwoven sheet member 20.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is illustrated another one possibleembodiment of a mitt 200, in accordance with the present invention. Themitt 200 comprises a first nonwoven sheet member 210, which has anexterior surface 220, an interior surface, a top edge 240, a bottom edge250, a first side edge 260 and a second side edge 270. The firstnonwoven sheet member 210, together with the substantially complementarysecond nonwoven sheet member 300, which are in an overlyingrelationship, define an interior volume which is accessed by the handvia 280. However, in this alternative embodiment the second nonwovensheet member 300 is slightly longer than the first nonwoven sheet member300 giving rise to an extension portion or tab 290. While not wanting tobe limited by theory, this optional tab 290 is believed to provide avisual and tactile clue as to how a user, such as a child, can accessthe interior volume while also providing assistance in separating thefirst and second members.

In FIG. 5, there is illustrated another possible embodiment of a mitt310, in accordance with the present invention. The mitt 310 comprises afirst nonwoven sheet member 320, which has an exterior surface 330, aninterior surface, a top edge 350, a bottom edge 360, a first side edge370 and a second side edge 380. The first nonwoven sheet member 320,together with a substantially complementary second nonwoven sheetmember, which are in an overlying relationship, define an interiorvolume which is accessed by the user's hand (i.e., a child) via opening390.

The interior volume of mitt 310 is divided into two parts, one part forthe child's thumb 340 and one part for the remainder of the child's hand345.

The mitt 310 also comprises a benefit composition 390. The firstnonwoven sheet member 320 is releasably carrying the benefit composition390 on its exterior surface 330. In one embodiment of the presentinvention the benefit composition may be present on a part of the firstnonwoven sheet member 320, such as, but not limited to, the exteriorsurface 330 in the form of stripes, spots, geometric patterns,non-geometric patterns or in a random distribution. In an alternativeembodiment, the benefit composition 390 may be present on the entireexterior surface 130 of the first nonwoven sheet member 320. In anotheran alternative embodiment, not shown, the benefit composition may bepresent in the interior of the first nonwoven sheet member, and/or theexterior surface of the nonwoven sheet member.

In FIG. 6, there is illustrated another possible embodiment of a mitt400, in accordance with the present invention. The mitt 400 (or glove inthis embodiment) comprises a first nonwoven sheet member 405, which hasan exterior surface 410, an interior surface, a top edge 415, a bottomedge 420, a first side edge 425 and a second side edge 430. The firstnonwoven sheet member 405, together with a substantially complementarysecond nonwoven sheet member, which are in an overlying relationship,define an interior volume which is accessed by the user's hand (i.e., achild) via opening 435.

The interior volume of mitt 400 is divided into several parts, one partfor the child's thumb 440, individual sections for each of the child'sfingers 445 and one part for the remainder of the child's hand 450.

The mitt 400 also comprises a benefit composition 460. The firstnonwoven sheet member 405 is releasably carrying the benefit composition460 on its exterior surface 410. In one embodiment of the presentinvention the benefit composition may be present on a part of the firstnonwoven sheet member 405, such as, but not limited to, the exteriorsurface 410 in the form of stripes, spots, geometric patterns,non-geometric patterns or in a random distribution. In an alternativeembodiment, the benefit composition 460 may be present on the entireexterior surface 410 of the first nonwoven sheet member 405. In anotheran alternative embodiment, not shown, the benefit composition may bepresent in the interior of the first nonwoven sheet member, and/or theexterior surface of the nonwoven sheet member.

The mitts illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 are “right-handed” mitts. Thismeans that the mitts of FIGS. 5 and 6 when in use are typically worn onthe users (i.e., a child) right hand. However, so-called “left handed”mitts, such as but not limited to, mirror images of the mittsillustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, are within the scope of the instantinvention and nothing in this disclosure should be in anyway construedas to limit the mitts to either left or right handed. Alternatively.mitts can be “thumb-less”, i.e., having a single monolithic or undividedinterior volume, thereby allowing the child to place the mitt on eitherhand. Illustrative non-limiting examples of these types of mitts may befound in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 7. In FIG. 7, mitt 465 comprises a firstnonwoven sheet member 470, which has an exterior surface 475, aninterior surface, a top edge 480, a bottom edge 485, a first side edge490 and a second side edge 495. The first nonwoven sheet member 470,together with a substantially complementary second nonwoven sheetmember, which are in an overlying relationship, define an interiorvolume which is accessed by the user's hand (i.e., a child) via opening500.

The mitt 465 also comprises a personal care composition 505, which ispresent on the exterior surface 475 of the first nonwoven sheet member470 in the form of a completed game of Tic-Tac-Toe (which is also knownas noughts and crosses) 510. The different components of the Tic-Tac-Toe510, i.e., the lines 515, zeros 520 and x's 525, may be the same coloror different, or even comprise different components of the benefitcomposition 505. In an alternative embodiment, all or some of the zeros520 and x's 525, may be absent and only the lines 515 which form thegrid being present, thereby allowing the child engage in furtherlearning play with the mitt, such as but not limited and imagined gameof Tic-Tac-Toe with, for example, a care giver, any character graphicpresent on the mitt, such as one disposed on the second nonwoven member,or any optional mitt container, etc. While Tic-Tac-Toe is the only gameillustrated in the Figures, it is to be understood that this is to in noway limit the possible arrangement, shapes or images formed on the mittby the benefit composition. The benefit composition may be arranged onthe mitt in any pattern, arrangement, or possible game which may besuitable for a child who would be using the mitt. Non-limitingillustrative examples of possible games, include, Spot the difference inthe picture, matching games, crosswords, word puzzles or riddles and thelike.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate mitts which include two opposing thumbportions, thereby enabling the same mitt to be used equally on eitherthe child's right or left hand. In FIG. 8, mitt 530 comprises a firstnonwoven sheet member 535, which has an exterior surface 540, aninterior surface, a top edge 545, a bottom edge 550, a first side edge555 and a second side edge 560. The first nonwoven sheet member 535,together with a substantially complementary second nonwoven sheetmember, which are in an overlying relationship, define an interiorvolume which is accessed by the user's hand (i.e., a child) via opening565. The first nonwoven sheet member 535 is releasably carrying abenefit composition 585 on its exterior surface 540.

The interior volume of mitt 530 is divided into several parts, twoopposing thumb portions 570 and 575, and one part for the remainder ofthe child's hand 580.

FIG. 9 illustrates a mitt similar to that illustrated in FIG. 7. FIG. 9illustrates a mitt 600 which comprises a first nonwoven sheet member605, which has an exterior surface 610, an interior surface, a top edge615, a bottom edge 620, a first side edge 625 and a second side edge630. The first nonwoven sheet member 605, together with a substantiallycomplementary second nonwoven sheet member, which are in an overlyingrelationship, define an interior volume which is accessed by the user'shand (i.e., a child) via opening 635. The first nonwoven sheet member605 is releasably carrying a benefit composition 640 on its exteriorsurface 610. However, unlike the mitt illustrated in FIG. 7, the firstnonwoven sheet member 605, is joined to the substantially complementarysecond nonwoven sheet member at join lines 645 and 650 thereby dividingthe interior volume of mitt 600 readily accessible by a child's hand into at least, two opposing thumb portions 655 and 660, and one part forthe remainder of the child's hand 665.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate another alternative embodiment of the presentinvention, where the mitt is in the shape of a character or is“puppet-like”, in this case in the form of a gnu. The mitt 670 comprisesa first nonwoven sheet member 675 which has an exterior surface 677, aninterior surface, a top edge 680, a bottom edge 682, a first side edge684 and a second side edge 685. The first nonwoven sheet member 675,together with a substantially complementary second nonwoven sheet member687, which are in an overlying relationship, define an interior volumewhich is accessed by the user's hand (i.e., a child) via opening 690.The first and second nonwoven sheet members 675 and 687 have disposedthereon gnu markings 691, such as eyes 692, nostril 693, teeth 694, ears695 and the like, to make the mitt 670 appear more “gnuish”, i.e. morelike a gnu. In one optional embodiment of the present invention part orall of the gnu markings 691 may comprise the benefit composition. Inthis optional embodiment the gnu markings 691 would at least fade, morepreferably disappear over use and provide a caregiver an easy to usesystem for identifying if the child has been using the mitt 670.

Similarly to the mitt illustrated in FIG. 8 the interior volume of mitt670 is divided into several parts, two opposing thumb portions 696 and697, and one part for the remainder of the child's hand 698. The twoopposing thumb portions 696 and 697 would also include such gnu markings691 as necessary to create the appearance to a child that the twoopposing thumb portions 696 and 697 are the gnu's antlers.

The material of which disposable nonwoven mitt adapted to fit on achild's hand are made from should be strong enough to resist tearingduring normal use, yet still provide softness to the child's tenderskin. In embodiments that require the mitt to contact water, thematerial should be water insoluble, or at least capable of retaining itsform for the duration of the child's use experience.

The disposable nonwoven mitt may be subjected to various treatments,such as but not limited to, physical treatment, such as zone activation,ring rolling SELFing and the like; chemical treatment, such as renderingpart or all of the disposable child sized article hydrophobic, and/orhydrophilic, and the like; thermal treatment, such as softening offibers by heating, thermal bonding and the like; and combinationsthereof.

The disposable nonwoven mitt may be of any size which is suitable foruse by a child. Furthermore, the disposable nonwoven mitt may be of asize to be used by a specific developmental age of child, such as 4, or7 and the like. Alternatively, the disposable nonwoven mitt may be of asize which is suitable for use by any child. Typically, the size of thedisposable nonwoven mitt will depend upon many factors such as dexterityand hand eye coordination of the child, size of the child's hand,gender, ethnicity, and the like. Anthropomorphic data on child handsizes may be found in Consumer Safety CHILDATA: Handbook of ChildMeasurements (Beverly Norris & John Wilson, June 1985). Furthermore, thedimensions and size of the disposable nonwoven mitt will depend upon theshape, weight and composition of the nonwoven sheet members, and theintended use of the mitt. Typically, a thumb less mitt, such as but notlimited that illustrated in FIG. 1, will have a length of from about 50mm to about 200 mm, a width of from about 50 mm to about 150 mm athickness of about 0.01 mm to about 30 mm and The opening to access theinterior portion of the mitt may be from about 20 mm to about 200 mm.Alternatively, the area of one side of one of the nonwoven members, suchas but not limited to the nonwoven member comprising the benefitcomposition, has an area of from about 100 mm² to about 30,000 mm².

The disposable nonwoven mitt may also optionally comprise a usageindicator. This optional usage indicator provides a means for the childto readily identify correct usage of the mitt, when all or a portionbenefit composition has been released from the nonwoven member(s),and/or they have used the mitt for a sufficient amount of time. Theusage indicator may be a separate feature, or it may be part of thebenefit composition, or it may be a part of a child graphic, or anentire child graphic when more than one child graphic is present. Thistype of usage indicator is described further herein. Other suitableusage indicators include, but are not limited to, pH (e.g., at aspecific pH or pH range a noticeable event occurs such as color change,noise generation or cessation and the like and combinations thereof),temperature (e.g., the article may feel warm cold for its intended useand then revert to ambient temperature, or change temperature formambient after a period of time), time (e.g., the indicator may changesize shape, color etc after a time period since it was exposed to waterair, oxygen, shear or other force and the like), and the like andcombinations thereof. In one optional embodiment the usage indicatorprovides a visual signal during use of the mitt at least a portion ofthe benefit composition has been released from the mitt and/or nonwovenmember.

When present, the type of optional usage indicator will depend upon manyfactors, such as, but not limited to, size and type of material presentin mitt and nonwoven member, benefit composition, intended use of themitt, age of child using the mitt, the child graphic used and the like.In any event the selection of the usage indicator, when present, shouldnot typically not be in isolation from the other elements, such as butnot limited to, any character graphic, for example a usage indicatorwhich changes to red, is probably not suitable for younger childrenbecause of the possible distress it may possibly cause to a care giver,who thinks the child is possibly hurt, and/or to the child who may thinkthe character is possibly hurt, or a use indictor which changes to greenmay possibly appear to be gross and slimy to care givers and/or girls(but which may conversely possibly be fascinating and very appealing toboys). In any event selection of usage indicator will depend upon manyfactors and should not typically be made in isolation of the othercomponents of the mitt.

Nonwoven Sheet Members

In one embodiment, the nonwoven sheet members may be a mixture ofnatural fibers and synthetic fibers. In alternative embodiments of thepresent invention the nonwoven sheet members may wholly comprise naturalfibers, while in other alternative embodiments still may wholly comprisesynthetic fibers.

In one embodiment of the present invention, each nonwoven sheet memberis made of material which is different to that of the other nonwovensheet member. In another alternative embodiment of the presentinvention, the two nonwoven sheet members are made of the same material.

Suitable natural fibers include but are not limited to cellulosicfibers, such as wood pulp fibers, cotton, and rayon. Suitable syntheticfibers include fibers commonly used in textiles, including but notlimited to polyester and polypropylene fibers polyethylene, polyether,polyethylene terepthalate (PET), and combinations thereof. It is alsopossible to use bicomponent polymers, or simply bico or sheath polymers.These bico polymers can be used as a component fiber of the nonwovensheet member, and/or they may be present to act as a binder for theother fibers present in the nonwoven material. Suitable nonwovens withgood softness include, but are not limited to, nonwoven materialscomprising polypropylene, polyethylene, cellulose, rayon, polyether,PET, bicomponent polymers, and combinations thereof.

Various forming methods can be used to form the nonwoven sheet membersfor use in the present invention. For instance, the nonwoven sheetmembers can be made by nonwoven dry forming techniques, such asair-laying, or alternatively by wet laying, such as on a papermakingmachine, of a continuous web out of which the nonwoven sheet members aremade. Other nonwoven manufacturing techniques, including but not limitedto techniques such as adhesive bonding, melt blown, spunbonded, carding,needle punched, hydroentanglement and lamination methods may also beused. Combination of these methods may also be used.

The nonwoven sheet members may be subjected to various treatments, suchas, but not limited to, physical treatment, such as zone activation,ring rolling SELFing and the like; chemical treatment, such as,rendering part or all of the nonwoven sheet member hydrophobic, and/orhydrophilic, and the like; thermal treatment, such as softening offibers by heating, thermal bonding and the like; and combinationsthereof.

In one embodiment of the present invention a nonwoven sheet members maycomprise a high loft batting material. High loft batting material is alow density, as compared to similar non-high loft nonwoven material,nonwoven comprising a random array of void spaces throughout itsstructure. High loft batting material is sponge like in its structureand appearance. While not wanting to be limited by theory, it isbelieved that when a nonwoven sheet member comprises high loft battingmaterial and is releasably carrying the benefit composition there issuperior foam generation, such as but not limited to, quality, volumeduration, etc., compared to a non-high loft batting nonwoven.

In one embodiment one of the nonwoven sheet members is a high loftbatting material having a basis weight of from about 50 gsm to about 80gsm. An example of one suitable nonwoven high loft batting material is a60 gsm polyester nonwoven, Proef 1297 available from Libeltex ofMeulebeke Belgium.

In one embodiment, the nonwoven sheet members may be an airlaid nonwovenmaterial comprising a combination of natural fibers, staple lengthsynthetic fibers and a latex binder. The nonwoven material can be about20-80 percent by weight wood pulp fibers, 10-60 percent by weight staplelength polyester fibers, and about 10-25 percent by weight binder.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the surface of a nonwovensheet member is essentially flat. In another embodiment of the presentinvention the surface of a nonwoven sheet members may optionally containraised and/or lowered portions. These can be in the form of logos,indicia, trademarks, geometric patterns, images of the surfaces that themitt is intended to clean (i.e., infant's body, face, dishes,automobile, etc.). They may be randomly arranged on the surface of thenonwoven sheet member or be in a repetitive pattern of some form. Theymay be on one or both of the nonwoven sheet members. In one embodimentone of the nonwoven sheet members contains a repetitive pattern oralternating raised and lowered portions of the substrate. This variationin or on the surface of the nonwoven sheet members may be included toconvey to the user, such as a child or a caregiver information on themitt intended use, how a user, such as a child, is to place the mitt onthe their hand, which brand or type of mitt they are using is or even toaid in cleaning of the surface.

It is also within the scope of the present invention that the nonwovensheet member includes laminates of two or more materials. Commerciallyavailable laminates, or purposely built laminates would be within thescope of the present invention. The laminated materials may be joined orbonded together in any suitable fashion, such as but not limited to,ultrasonic bonding, adhesive, glue, fusion bonded, heat or thermalbonded and combinations thereof. One such suitable commerciallyavailable laminate is 259-50-3 available from Tredegar of Richmond, Va.U.S.A.

In one embodiment of the present invention one of the nonwoven sheetmembers comprises a first material, typically a nonwoven material, whichis joined to an elastic web to form a two-layer laminate. In anotherembodiment of the present invention one of the nonwoven sheet members isa three-layer laminate of two nonwoven materials, forming the outerlayers, with an elastic web sandwiched between the nonwoven materials.Additional information on this type of laminate and mitts comprisingthis type of laminate may be found in copending U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/453,160 filed on Mar. 10, 2003, entitled “DisposableNonwoven Cleansing Mitt” in the name of Dobrin et al.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, one or both ofthe nonwoven sheet members are selected such that they, preferably theirinterior surface, will adhere, cling or stick to the child's hand priorto and during use. This optional adhesion may be achieved in a varietyof ways, including, but not limited to, adhesive, friction,electrostatic attraction, conformation of the nonwoven sheet member tothe shape of the child's hand when wet, and combinations thereof.

In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the mitt mayinclude a retaining aid. The retention of the mitts on the user providesthe user with additional confidence that the mitt will not fall offduring use, especially during vigorous scrubbing. This means theconsumer can focus on the task at hand, namely washing and cleaning,without having to be concerned with retaining the mitt on their hand. Inone optional embodiment the optional retaining aid is in the form of apolyolefin film attached to the interior surface of one or both of thefirst and second nonwoven sheet member. Examples of suitable polyolefinfilms include, but are not limited, films comprising polyethylene and/orpolypropylene, and the like. The retaining aid may be discrete swatch orpatch, however in alternative embodiments the polymeric film may havesubstantially the same size and/or shape as the nonwoven member to whichit is attached.

In another optional embodiment the retaining aid may be a tackymaterial, such as an adhesive, may be placed on the interior surface ofone or both of the first and second nonwoven sheet members increasingthe coefficient of friction between the skin on the user's hand and thedisposable nonwoven mitt. This tacky material could be sprayed, printedor the like in the form of dots or other patterns.

Additional information on retaining aids and mitt containing them may befound in copending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/453,167filed on Mar. 10, 2003, entitled “Disposable Nonwoven Cleansing Mitt” inthe name of Benjamin et al., (P&G Docket Number 9180PQ).

In another embodiment of the present invention, the nonwoven sheetmembers may biodegradable. For example the substrate could be made froma biodegradable material such as a polyesteramide, or a high wetstrength cellulose.

The first and second complementary nonwoven sheet members may be joinedor bonded together in any suitable fashion. For example, the first andsecond nonwoven sheet members may be joined by ultrasonically bonding,sewing, adhesively, mechanically bonding, fusion bonding, heat orthermal bonding and combinations thereof. The first and second nonwovensheet members are joined at their respective first, second and topedges. The bottom edges may be either totally unbonded or partiallybonded. Any such partial bond will not restrict a child from wearing themitt, and may aid in securing the mitt to the child's hand.

The mitt can be manufactured in various sizes. One embodiment of thepresent invention include mitts in which the interior volume is dividedinto two parts, one part for the user's thumb and one part for theremainder of the user's hand. In an alternative embodiment the interiorspace is not divided and can contain the whole of the user's hand. Theseembodiment of the present invention are illustrated in the cleansingmitts of the Figures.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the disposable mitt isbiodegradable. For example, the disposable mitt could be made from abiodegradable material, such as a polyesteramide.

Additional information on materials which are suitable for use as thedisposable nonwoven mitt, nonwoven sheet members and/or other componentsthereof can be found in the following patents and applications: U.S.Pat. No. 3,862,472 issued Jan. 28, 1975; U.S. Pat. No. 3,982,302 issuedSep. 28, 1976; U.S. Pat. No. 4,004,323 issued Jan. 25, 1977; U.S. Pat.No. 4,057,669 issued Nov. 8, 1977; U.S. Pat. No. 4,097,965 issued Jul.4, 1978; U.S. Pat. No. 4,176,427 issued Dec. 4, 1979; U.S. Pat. No.4,130,915 issued Dec. 26, 1978; U.S. Pat. No. 4,135,024 issued Jan. 16,1979; U.S. Pat. No. 4,189,896 issued Feb. 26, 1980; U.S. Pat. No.4,207,367 issued Jun. 10, 1980; U.S. Pat. No. 4,296,161 issued Oct. 20,1981; U.S. Pat. No. 4,309,469 issued Jan. 25, 1982; U.S. Pat. No.4,682,942 issued Jul. 28, 1987; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,637,859; 5,223,096;5,240,562; 5,556,509; and 5,580,423; and U.S. Patent Application No.U.S. 2003/0217425 Published on Nov. 27, 2003 and filed on May 23, 2002by Datta et al.; and in copending U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/453,160 filed on Mar. 10, 2003, entitled “Disposable NonwovenCleansing Mitt” in the name of Dobrin et al., (P&G Docket Number 9181P);and 60/453,167 filed on Mar. 10, 2003, entitled “Disposable NonwovenCleansing Mitt” in the name of Benjamin et al., (P&G Docket Number9180PQ).

The manufacture of disposable nonwoven mitt, nonwoven sheet members andcomponents thereof, such as, nonwoven sheet substrate per se forms nopart of this invention.

Benefit Compositions

The benefit care compositions releasably carried by the disposablenonwoven mitt adapted to fit on a child's hand of the present inventionmay comprise a variety of components such as are conventionally used inbenefit compositions. These benefit compositions and the componentsthereof should be suitable for application to or use by a child; thatis, when incorporated into the disposable nonwoven mitt adapted to fiton a child's hand they are suitable for use in contact with human skinwithout undue toxicity, incompatibility, irritation, instability,allergic response, and the like, within the scope of sound medical orformulator's judgment.

In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the benefitcomposition may be any composition which is typically used by consumers,such as, but not limited to, cleaning compositions, moisturizingcompositions, medicinal compositions, cosmetic compositions, carcleaning compositions, personal cleansing compositions, polishingcompositions, germicidal compositions, wax compositions, perfumecompositions, dishwashing compositions, hard surface cleaningcompositions, glass cleaning compositions, wood cleaning compositionsand combinations thereof.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the benefit compositions arein the form of a paste, powder, or a dry solid. While benefitcompositions comprising more than about 50% by weight of the compositionof a liquid carrier, such as water, are within the scope of the presentinvention, it is preferred that any mitt be mostly dry, more preferablydry to the touch, prior to contact with the washing environment, thatis, until the child first immerses the mitt or otherwise contacts itwith water. Typically, this translates into levels of liquid carrier,such as water (not including water of hydration or water similarly boundby the nonwoven sheet material and/or the components of the benefitcomposition), of less than or equal to about 10%, more preferably lessthan or equal to about 7% by weight of benefit composition.

In one alternative embodiment of the present invention, the amount ofbenefit composition present in the mitt is preferably present in amountsfrom about 1 gsm to about 200 gsm, more preferably from about 10 gsm toabout 175 gsm, even more preferably still from about 20 gsm to about 150gsm. (Grams of benefit composition per square meter of nonwoven sheetmember) Alternatively, each disposable mitt may preferably contain fromabout 0.5 g to about 20 g, more preferably from about 1 g to about 15 gof benefit composition per disposable nonwoven mitt adapted to fit on achild's hand.

The benefit compositions used in the present invention may contain oneor more suitable components. Illustrative, but nonlimiting examples ofsuitable components of the benefit composition include: surfactant, suchas, anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, nonionic surfactants,zwitterionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and mixtures thereof;enzymes; absorbents; aesthetic components; fragrances; pigments;colorings; colorants; essential oils; skin sensates; anti-acne agents(e.g., resorcinol, sulfur, salicylic acid, erythromycin, zinc, etc.);anti-caking agents; antifoaming agents; preservative; conditioners; hairconditioners; dye; antimicrobial agents (e.g., quaternium-15, parabenpreservatives such as, but not limited to, ethyl paraben, DMDMhydantoin, iodopropyl butylcarbamate (IPBC, etc.); glycerin; binders;buffering agents; bulking agents; chelating agents (e.g., EDTA, etc.);solvents; cosmetic biocides; denaturants; external analgesics; filmformers or materials, e.g., polymers, for aiding the film-formingproperties and substantivity of the composition (e.g., copolymer ofeicosene and vinyl pyrrolidone); humectants; polydimethylsiloxanes (suchas, but not limited to, dimethicones); Cyclic polyalkylsiloxanes;opacifying agents; pH adjusters; process aids; reducing agents;sequestrants; skin-conditioning agents; moisturizers; skin soothingand/or healing agents (e.g., panthenol and derivatives (e.g., ethylpanthenol)); flavonoids (e.g., bioflavonoids, flavones, isoflavones,etc.); conditioners (e.g., hair conditioners); hair detanglers; skintreating agents; thickeners (e.g., polymeric thickeners, gums, etc.);hydrocolloids; zeolites; sugar amines also known as Amino sugars (e.g.,glucosamine, N-acetyl glucosamine, mannosamine, N-acetyl mannosamine,galactosamine, N-acetyl galactosamine, their isomers (e.g.,stereoisomers), and their salts (e.g., HCl salt)); phytosterols (e.g.,β-sitosterol, campesterol, and the like); oxidants/radical scavengers(such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C), ascorbyl esters of fatty acids,ascorbic acid derivatives (e.g., magnesium ascorbyl phosphate); teaextracts (such as green tea extracts); plant and fruit extracts (e.g.,grape skin/seed extracts, melanin, and rosemary extracts, Manjistha,Guggal, kola extract, chamomile, red clover extract, sea whip extract);caffeine; candelilla wax; alpha-bisabolol; aloe vera; allantoin;glycyrrhetic acid; glycyrrhizic acid; abrasives; astringents (e.g.,clove oil, menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, eugenol, menthyl lactate,witch hazel distillate); gelling agents; thixatropic agents; bulkingagents; cosmetic astringents; denaturants; reducing agents;sequestrants; skin bleaching and lightening agents (e.g., hydroquinone);skin treating agents; sunscreen actives (e.g. p-aminobenzoic acid,2-ethylhexyl-p-methoxycinnamate,2,2′-dihydroxy4,4′-dimethoxybenzophenone, zinc oxide, titanium dioxideetc,); and vitamins and derivatives thereof (e.g., tocopherol,tocopherol acetate, beta carotene, nicotinic acid, retinoic acid,retinol, retinoids, retinyl palmitate, niacin, pantothenic, niacinamide,nicotinyl alcohol, and the like); and the like and combinations thereof.The benefit compositions releasably contained by the disposable nonwovenmitt may include carrier components such as are known in the art, forexample, water, alcohols, polyols, and the like. Such carriers caninclude one or more compatible liquid or solid filler diluents orvehicles which are suitable for application on to and/or use by a child.Alternatively these carriers may be present in the benefit compositionduring formulation and application to the nonwoven member and/ordisposable nonwoven mitt as a whole and subsequently removed, by anyconventional means, such as, but not limited to, heating, reducing airpressure, and the like.

Some nonlimiting examples of suitable surfactants include ammoniumlauroyl sarcosinate, sodium trideceth sulfate, sodium lauroylsarcosinate, ammonium laureth sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, ammoniumlauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium cocoyl isethionate,sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl isethionate, sodium cetylsulfate, sodium monolauryl phosphate, sodium cocoglyceryl ethersulfonate, sodium C₉-C₂₂ soap, amine oxides such as lauramine oxide andcocoamine oxide, decyl polyglucose, lauryl polyglucose, sucrose cocoate,C₁₂₋₁₄ glucosamides, sucrose laurate, fatty amines, di-fatty quaternaryamines, tri-fatty quaternary amines, imidazolinium quaternary amines,PEG 80 Sorbitan laurate, PEG-150 distearate, sodium laureth-13carboxylate, disodium lauroamphodiacetate, sodium lauroamphoacetate,cetyl dimethyl betaine, cocoamidopropyl betaine, cocoamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, and combinations thereof.

Additional information on suitable benefit compositions and possiblecomponents thereof may be found in: CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook,Second Edition (1992); CTFA International Cosmetic IngredientDictionary, Fifth Edition, 1993; McCutcheon's, Detergents andEmulsifiers, North American edition (1986), published by AlluredPublishing Corporation; McCutcheon's, Functional Materials, NorthAmerican Edition (1992); Sagarin, et al., Cosmetics Science andTechnology (1972); U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678, to Laughlin et al., issuedDec. 30, 1975; U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,998 issued to Biedermann et al., onNov. 10, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,082 issued to Oblong et al., on Aug.17, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 3,755,560, issued Aug. 28, 1973, to Dickert etal.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,421,769, issued Dec. 20, 1983, to Dixon et al.;U.S. Pat. No. 4,960,764, to Figueroa, Jr. et al., issued Oct. 2, 1990;U.S. Pat. No. 6,335,312 issued on Jan. 1, 2002 to Coffindaffer et al.;U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,980, issued to McAtee et al., on Mar. 4, 1997; U.S.Pat. No. 5,487,884, issued Jan. 30, 1996 to Bissett et al.; U.S. Pat.No. 5,686,082, issued to N'Guyen on Nov. 1, 1997; U.S. Pat. No.2,831,854, issued to Tucker et al., on Apr. 22, 1958; U.S. Pat. No.4,005,196, to Jandacek, issued Jan. 25, 1977; U.S. Pat. No. 4,005,195,to Jandacek, issued Jan. 25, 1977; U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,516, to Letton etal., issued Apr. 26, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,515, to Letton et al.,issued Apr. 26, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,514, to Letton et al., issuedApr. 26, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 4,797,300, to Jandacek et al., issued Jan.10, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 3,963,699, to Rizzi et al., issued Jun. 15,1976; U.S. Pat. No. 4,518,772, to Volpenhein, issued May 21, 1985; U.S.Pat. No. 4,517,360, to Volpenhein, issued May 21, 1985; U.S. Pat. No.4,976,953, to Orr et al., issued Dec. 11, 1990; U.S. Pat. No. 5,087,445,to Haffey et al., issued Feb. 11, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 4,509,949, toHuang et al., issued Apr. 5, 1985; U.S. Pat. No. 2,798,053, to Brown,issued Jul. 2, 1957; U.S. Pat. No. 5,100,660, to Hawe et al., issuedMar. 31, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 4,849,484, to Heard, issued Jul. 18, 1989;U.S. Pat. No. 4,835,206, to Farrar et al., issued May 30, 1989; U.S.Pat. No. 4,628,078 to Glover et al., issued Dec. 9, 1986; U.S. Pat. No.4,599,379 to Flesher et al., issued Jul. 8, 1986; U.S. Pat. No.6,200,554, issued to Yeoh et al., on Mar. 13, 2001; U.S. Pat. No.6,248,317 issued to Snyder et al., on Jun. 19, 2001; U.S. Pat. No.4,741,855 issued to Grote et al., on May 3, 1988 and re issued as U.S.Pat. No. RE 34584 on Apr. 12, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,751 issued toFletcher et al., on Aug. 28, 2001; U.S. Pat. No. 6,506,394 issued toYohiaoui et al., on Jan. 14, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 6,440,437 issued toKrzysik et al., on Aug. 27, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,630,175 issued toShapiro et al., on Oct. 7, 2003; EP 228,868, to Farrar et al., publishedJul. 15, 1987; WO 97/39733 A1, published on Oct. 30, 1997; U.S. PatentApplication No. U.S. 20030190337A1: “Methods for regulating thecondition of mammalian keratinous tissue via topical application ofvitamin B6 compositions”, published on Oct. 9, 2003; U.S. PatentApplication No. U.S. 20030130636A1: “System for improving skin health ofabsorbent article wearers”, published on Jul. 10, 2003; and U.S. PatentApplication No. U.S. 20020177535A1: “Cleansing compositions with milkprotein and aromatherapy”, published on Nov. 28, 2002.

Mixtures of the above components may also be used.

Additionally, the benefit composition may be applied to a nonwoven sheetmember and/or nonwoven mitt in any suitable fashion, such as but notlimited to, as a complete benefit composition or at different times inthe form of the various components of the benefit composition.Alternatively, the various components of the benefit composition may beplaced at different regions on the nonwoven sheet member, e.g., thevarious gnu markings 342, or tic-tac-toe markings, 510, 515, 520 and 525may be different components, or mixtures thereof of a benefitcomposition.

Each of the components of the benefit compositions, when present, areeach typically employed in compositions at levels of from about 0.0001%to about 99.9%, preferably from about 0.001% to about 99%, and morepreferably from about 0.01% to about 97%, by weight of the benefitcomposition.

In preparing the mitt the benefit composition needs to be releasablycarried by the disposable child sized article, such as placed on and/orin a nonwoven sheet member. Techniques for combining the mitt ornonwoven sheet member with a benefit composition are well known in theart. Examples of common methods of combining a benefit composition withthe mitt or nonwoven sheet may involve coating, immersing, dipping,printing, and/or spraying, a nonwoven sheet member with a benefitcomposition. A benefit composition of is added to the mitt at levelsufficient to provide the desired benefits of the present invention. Aconvenient method of combining a benefit composition with the mitt isfor the benefit composition to be applied to a nonwoven sheet memberwhile the nonwoven sheet member is a continuous web. The applicationcould be in many forms, including one or more of, but not limited tocoating, immersing, dipping, spraying, printing, extruding and the like.Once the benefit composition is applied the nonwoven sheet member is cutto the desired length and then further processed to form the mitt andthen packaged for sale. Alternatively, a benefit composition may beadded to a nonwoven sheet member when the nonwoven sheet member is partof a fully or partially formed mitt.

The benefit composition may be added to the mitt in any convenientfashion. For example, the benefit composition components could all bemixed together and then sprayed onto a nonwoven sheet member; eachcomponent could be deposited on a nonwoven sheet member separately; orhalf the components could be mixed together and then added to a nonwovensheet member, with the remainder then being mixed together and thensprayed on to a nonwoven sheet member.

In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the benefitcomposition is applied to a nonwoven sheet member, in the form of apaste prior to the assembly of the mitt. This optional embodiment ismore preferably a “hot melt” composition. Hot melt composition have highviscosity at or around room temperature, and then melt (becomesubstantially liquid) at higher temperatures. Such systems areadvantageous during processing of a disposable, substantially dry (ordry to the touch) mitt since the composition can be applied (e.g.,coated, sprayed, extruded) to the nonwoven sheet member at a lowviscosity (e.g., a liquid) at higher than room temperature, and then asthe composition cools down, it becomes a high viscosity paste or solid.

Once the benefit composition is applied to the mitt and/or nonwovensheet member it may be further treated in any conventional manner, suchas but not limited to, heating to remove excess water from the benefitcomposition.

Child Graphic

The child graphic may be any suitable visual image or images. The childgraphic may include pictorial symbols and/or images, such as but notlimited to, photographs, such as but not limited to: a photograph of achild using the disposable nonwoven mitt adapted to fit on a child'shand; drawings, a drawing of a child or an anthropomorphic image of ananimal or object using the mitt; cartoons, such as but not limited to,well known cartoon characters, caricatures of famous people, well knownbrand logos or the like, or characters specifically created to beassociated with the article of commerce; symbols, such as but notlimited to arrows, indications or motion or movement, and the like; andcombinations thereof.

The child graphic may be arranged in any suitable fashion and may be inthe form of one or more pictorial images. The arrangement may includethe child graphic in, for example, a single image or picture, such as ina single image or a single cartoon. FIG. 12 illustrates a single image700 which includes a child graphic. The child graphics present in image700 include an anthropomorphic animal 710, in this case an amphibian orfrog, who is in a body of water 720, wearing a disposable nonwoven mittadapted to fit on a child's hand 730 on his hand. It is preferred thatthe mitt illustrated in the child graphic or child graphics be similarin appearance, at least to a child, to any mitt in association with thechild graphic or child graphics. The image further illustrates that frog720, is cleaning himself thereby generating suds and bubbles 740 usingthe mitt 730 by contacting parts of his body 750 with the mitt 730.

In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the child graphic isa sequential series of panels, wherein each of the panels contains, forexample, a different cartoon, symbol, drawing, photograph andcombinations thereof. Alternatively, each panel may contain one or morechild graphic. These panels may be arranged in any suitable fashion,such as but not limited to, vertically, horizontally, diagonally,circular, and the like and combinations thereof. Examples of thisoptional embodiment can be found in FIG. 13, and 14.

In FIG. 13, panels 760 are a child graphic comprising a sequentialseries of panels communicating to a child incapable of reading how touse a disposable child sized article which is similar to the disposablechild sized article illustrated in FIG. 1. Panel 770 communicates wherethe child places its hand and the orientation of the mitt relative tothe child. Panel 780 communicates that the child needs to contact themitt with water, such as by immersion in a body of water such as a bath,or a bucket. Panel 780 also communicates to the child that the benefitcomposition is only present on one side of the mitt. Additionally, panel780 reinforces the prior communication in panel 770 on the correctorientation of the mitt relative to the child. Panel 785, that is thefrog character, additionally communicates to the child that in order toclean themselves they need to contact, such as by rubbing, scrubbing andthe like, their body with the side of the mitt which will generatelather. Additionally, panel 785 further reinforces the priorcommunication in panels 770 and 780 on the correct orientation of themitt relative to the child. Panel 790 communicates the need for thechild to properly dispose of the mitt after they have finished bathing.

In FIG. 14, panels 800 are a sequential series of panels each comprisinga different child graphic that are communicating, especiallycommunicating to a child incapable of reading, how to use a mitt whichis similar to the mitt illustrated in FIG. 4. Panel 810 communicateswhere the child places its hand to wear the mitt and the correctorientation of the mitt relative to the child. Panel 820 communicatesnot only that the child needs to contact the mitt with water, such as byimmersion in a body of water such as a bath, but that the benefitcomposition will generate lather when combined with water. Panel 820also communicates to the child that the benefit composition is onlypresent on one side of the mitt. Additionally, panel 820 reinforces theprior communication in panel 810 on the correct orientation of the mittrelative to the child. Panel 830 reinforces the information communicatedin previous panels 810 and 820 by again communicating that the benefitcomposition will generate lather and is only present on one side of themitt. Panel 830 additionally communicates to the child that in order toclean themselves they need to contact, such as by rubbing, scrubbing andthe like, their body with the side of the mitt which will generatelather. The frog character in panel 830 communicates to the child thatthe mitt is suitable for use while they are in a bath or similar body ofwater. Panel 840 communicates the need for the child to properly disposeof the mitt after they have finished bathing.

FIG. 15 shows a mitt 850 containing a repeating pattern two of the childgraphics of FIG. 13, namely a repeating pattern of panels 780 and 785.In one optional embodiment mitt 850 may be used in combination with acontainer which has, for example, printed thereon the entire set, oronly panels 770 and 790, of FIG. 13. These panels on the mitt 850 wouldprovide additional reinforcement to the child as to the correct use ofthe mitt 850.

FIG. 16 illustrates a single image 855 which includes a child graphic.The child graphics present in image 855 include an anthropomorphicanimal 860, in this case a frog, who is in a bath 865 which is full ofwater 867. The frog 860 is holding a mitt 870 in his hand, which hasprinted on it a plurality, of proportionally smaller versions of image855. The image 855 further illustrates that frog 860, is cleaninghimself thereby generating suds and bubbles 875 using the mitt 870 bycontacting parts of his body 880 with the mitt 870.

FIG. 31 illustrates an image 900 which includes a child graphic 910. Thechild graphic 910 present in image 900 includes a character graphic,specifically an anthropomorphic object 920, in this case an automobile,who is standing and drying itself with a towel 930. The image 900further includes a bucket 940 which is full of a liquid which isgenerating bubbles 950.

FIGS. 17 to 32 illustrate additional exemplary child graphics, depictinga character, in these figures frogs, monkeys, turtle or automobile in arange of various activities that a child may typically be engaged in orwould readily be able to imaging themselves in that action or activity,either in place of the character or doing the activity along with thecharacter.

The child graphic or child graphics may also include a story line inwhich a character, such as the frogs, monkeys, turtle and automobile ofFIGS. 12 to 32, are illustrated performing an activity which may lead tothe character needing to perform an activity which may involve the useof the mitt. Illustrative, but non limiting examples of such activitiesinclude, running, riding (for example riding a tricycle as illustratedin FIG. 17 or a bulldozer as illustrated in FIG. 18), playing in themud, playing with a ball (FIG. 23), playing hide and seek, or othersimilar activities which a child does and can relate to. In this way,the child graphic or child graphics may permit the caregiver to interactwith the child regarding the story line created by the child graphic orchild graphics and may provide an opportunity for the caregiver to teachthe child important life lessons, such as bathing and cleaning, due tothe interactive nature of the child graphic.

In one alternative embodiment of the present invention when the mittcomprises two or more child graphics, and/or the mitt is present in acontainer which has one or more child graphics, these different childgraphics may be have a common storyline.

In one alternative embodiment of the present invention when the mittcomprises two or more child graphics, and/or the mitt is present in acontainer which has one or more child graphics, these different childgraphics may be have a related in subject matter.

FIG. 32 illustrates a pair of child graphics, in this case two charactergraphics, a frog 960 and a turtle 970 which have a common story line andare related in subject matter. The frog 960 is swinging on a rope 965over a pool or pond 975 in which the turtle 970 is frolicking andsplashing.

In one alternative embodiment when the mitt comprises two or more childgraphics, and/or the mitt is present in a container which has one ormore child graphics, these different child graphics may be have aunrelated in subject matter.

The child graphic may optionally include a character graphic that canincrease the child's interest in using the mitt and can increase theopportunities for the caregiver to interact positively with the child.The term “character graphic” is used herein to refer to a child graphiccontaining an anthropomorphous image, and in particular an image havingor suggesting human form or appearance which ascribes human motivations,characteristics or behavior to inanimate objects, animals, naturalphenomena, toys, cartoon characters, or the like. Ideally the charactergraphic would be suitable for children's swimwear, toys, clothing,diapers or the like and could be utilized to motivate children to usethe disposable child sized article. To that end, the character graphicscan be associated with popular characters in the media, advertising orwell known in a particular culture. Ideally they are characters that thechild or caregiver care about and want to identify with. Ideally thechild can imagine himself or herself taking the place of the characteror emulate the character's behavior/attitude.

The role of the character graphic in the child graphic can be toencourage a child and to motivate them to behaviors, such as but notlimited to, cleaning themselves, cleaning their room, and the like. Thecharacter graphic may provide a source of entertainment and reassurancefor the child and a buddy, or friend, who reduces stress and can berelated to in a non-competitive fashion during the training period. Thecharacter may also provide positive reinforcement and encouragement tothe child while the child is learning new skills and behaviors in anon-competitive or threatening manner.

Suitable character graphics can include animals, people, inanimateobjects, natural phenomena, cartoon characters or the like, that can orcan not be provided with human features such as arms, legs, facialfeatures or the like. It may be desirable for the character graphic tobe familiar to the child, such as an identifiable cartoon character. Thecharacter graphics should at least be a type that the child can relateto, examples of which could include animals, toys, licensed characters,or the like. Character graphics can be made more personable and friendlyto the child by including human-like features, human-like expressions,apparel, abilities, or the like. In one optional embodiment it isdesirable for a character to have a distinguishing feature or features,which in a pictograph can help in training, such as a frog's webbedhand. By way of illustration, an animal character graphic can be shownsmiling, wearing clothing, playing sports, fishing, driving, playingwith toys, or the like. In particular embodiments, the character graphiccan desirably be created to project an appearance that could bedescribed as friendly, positive, non-intimidating, silly, independent,inspirational, active, expressive, dauntless and/or persevering. Forexample, the frog 710 of FIG. 12 is one example of such a charactergraphic and is intended to inspire the child to learn how to bathe andclean themselves. The frog's expression clearly shows that while he isconcentrating on cleaning himself and becoming independent, he is stillsmiling and having fun. Additionally, it is preferred that thecharacters expressions are exaggerated so as to not be too subtle for achild to understand.

Furthermore the combination of story line and character graphics arebelieved to make children more interested in the use of the mitt, suchas but not limited to a mitt for use in a bathing or cleaning process,and therefore lead to enhanced results. While not wishing to be limitedby theory it is believed that the child graphic and the other elementsof the mitt work together to provide to a child, and especially thosewho are incapable of reading, the appropriate tools, directions in theuse of those tools and positive reinforcement which enables the child tolearn how to, for example clean themselves, wash their hair, clean theirroom, and the like.

The character graphic, or parts thereof may retain essentially the sameappearance and/or shape while the child is using the disposable nonwovenmitt. Alternatively, the character graphic, or parts thereof may, changeappearance, shape, appear and/or disappear while the child is using thedisposable nonwoven mitt. That is a use indicator may be optionally apart of a child graphic, or a child graphic when more than one childgraphic is present. This change may occur in any suitable manner orfashion, such as but not limited to exposure to a specific environment(e.g., water, air, other suitable chemicals, a pH or pH range), time,abrasion or similar physical force or contact, and the like andcombinations thereof. One example of this may be a character who isgesturing hello, welcome or the like, is changed after the child hasimmersed the mitt in water and uses the mitt, to gesture goodbye.

In one optional embodiment the child graphic may optionally include acharacter graphic which is associated with a line of children's consumerproducts, such as but not limited to personal cleansing products and thelike. The character may be one of a family, group, team, or the like,each member of which is designed to be associated with, for example, aconsumer product, a cleaning event such as washing hair, an age group,stage of infant development and the like. Alternatively, all of thecharacters of a family, group, team, or the like, may be designed to beassociated with the entire range of consumer products.

The association by the child of the character with the consumer product,cleaning event etc., encourages and provides a way for the child tovisualize through their imagination the character using the mitt in theway intended. Furthermore, since this teaching is through the use of thechild's imagination, there are none of the negative connotationsassociated with conventional parental instruction on how to use aconsumer product, such as the mitt. Instead of the child being subjectedto parental nagging to do something the child really doesn't want to do,the child will actively use the mitt as part of active learning play tointeract with their new buddy, or friend, and imitate behavior. Theinteraction between the child and the character is only limited by thebounds of the child's imagination. The role of the caregiver or parentin then becomes one of actively encouraging imaginative play by thechild with the character to use the mitt correctly, instead of a beingperceived by the child as a parent who stops play. Play is activelyencouraged and new skills become part of play, “uninterrupted play”.Since the use of the mitt is essentially play, the child is eager to usethe mitt and learn the skill.

A family or group of character graphics can be used to progress a childthrough a system of consumer products, especially systems including themitt and the like. In this embodiment each character of the family orgroup, would be tailored to appeal to different groups of children.These groups may be based on age, development stages, regions, etc.Alternatively, a single character may be tailored for one particulargroup consumer products of line of consumer products which are differentfor children at different ages, development stages, etc. In this casethe character may, for example be, of a different age depending on theconsumer product and which group of children the product is intended tobe used by.

Child graphics, such as but not limited to character graphics act toenable and encourage the desired behavior, such as the correct use ofthe disposable child sized article, by providing stimuli. For example,in the case of a child graphic containing a character the stimuli may beentertainment and a friend.

Container

In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the mitt may bepresent in a container. The container may be any suitable containerwhich is capable of removably holding at least one disposable childsized article. The container may be rigid or it may be semi-rigid.Typically, any container will have a portion for storage of the mitt.The size of the storage portion will depend upon the many factors, suchas but not limited to, the size of the disposable child sizedarticle(s), the number of mitt initially present in the container, easeof use by a child, etc. This storage portion may be accessed in anysuitable fashion through an opening, or orifice of a size which issuitable for the size of the mitt.

Containers useful include but are not limited, PET tubs, flow wrappouches, precut sachets for individually packed mitts, and otherpackaging known in the art as suitable for nonwoven articles releasablycarrying a composition, such as but not limited to reach in or so calledpop-up containers.

Furthermore, when present, the container may be in the shape of acharacter, such as, but not limited to a character present in the childgraphics present one or more of the mitts.

Additional information on containers, as well as additional optioncomponents for containers, including but not limited to: containerbodies; lids; containers features, such as but not limited to,attachments of lids, hinges, zippers, securing means; and the like, canbe found in U.S. Pat. No. Des 451,279 issued on Dec. 4, 2001, to Chin;U.S. Pat. No. Des 437,686 issued on Feb. 20, 2001, to Balzar; U.S. PatNo. Des 443,508 issued on Jun. 12, 2001, to Braaten; U.S. Pat No. Des443,451 issued on Jun. 12, 2001, to Buck; U.S. Pat. No. Des 421,901issued on Mar. 28, 2000, to Hill; U.S. Pat. No. Des 421,902 issued onMar. 28, 2000, to Hill; U.S. Pat No. Des 416,794 issued on Nov. 23,1999, to Cormack; U.S. Pat No. Des 414,637 issued on Oct. 5, 1999, toAmundson; U.S. Pat No. Des 445,329 issued on Jul. 24, 2001, to Zethoff;U.S. Pat. No. 3,982,659 issued on Sep. 26, 1976, to Ross; U.S. Pat. No.3,967,756 issued on Jul. 6, 1976, to Barish; U.S. Pat. No. 3,986,479,issued on Oct. 19, 1976, to Boedecker; U.S. Pat. No. 3,994,417 issued onNov. 30, 1976, to Boedecker; U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,970 issued on Aug. 7,2001, to Huang; U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,179 issued on Jul. 28, 1998, toBuczwinski; U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,104 issued on Nov. 22, 1994, toArmstrong; U.S. Pat. No. 5,322,178 issued on Jun. 21, 1994, to Foos;U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,737 issued on Sep. 24, 1991, to Josyln; U.S. Pat.No. 4,971,220 issued on Nov. 20, 1990, to Kaufman; U.S. Pat. No.6,296,144 issued on Oct. 2, 2001, to Tanaka; U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,114issued on Nov. 13, 2001, to Keck; U.S. Pat. No. 4,840,270 issued on Jun.20, 1989, to Caputo; U.S. Pat. No. 4,471,881 issued on Sep. 18, 1984, toFoster; U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,506 issued on Jul. 15, 1997, to Julius; U.S.Pat. No. 6,401,968 issued on Jun. 11, 2002, to Huang; U.S. Pat. No.6,269,969 issued on Aug. 7, 2001, to Huang; U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,634issued on Jul. 2, 2002, to Telesca; U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,465 issued onAug. 11, 1998, to Niki; U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,690 issued on Jul. 25, 2000,to Bitowft; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,690 issued on Jul. 25, 2000, toBitowft; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0064323 publishedon May 30, 2002, inventor Chin; and WO 00/27268 published on May 18,2000, and assigned to The Procter & Gamble Co.; WO 02/14172 published onFeb. 21, 2002, and assigned to The Procter & Gamble Co.; and WO 99/55213published on Nov. 4, 1999, and assigned to The Procter & Gamble Co.

EXAMPLES Example 1

A cleaning implement which is a mitt and comprising a first member whichis a 60 gsm polyester nonwoven high loft batting material, Proef 1297available from Libeltex of Meulebeke Belgium, and a second member whichis a three member laminate. The three member laminate contains a 90 gsmtwo layer stretch laminate, namely 259-50-3 available from Tredegar, ofRichmond, Va. U.S.A., and a 30 gsm nonwoven, 008YLC009U, available fromBBA of Nashville Tenn., U.S.A. The high loft batting material isreleasably carrying the personal care composition, which is 85 gsm ofBC20, available from Rhodia of France. Disposed on the outer surfaceside of the first nonwoven high loft batting material is the childgraphic illustrated in FIG. 12.

Example 2

A disposable child sized article according to Example 1, except that thechild graphic is that illustrated in FIG. 15.

Example 3

A disposable child sized article according to Example 1, except that thechild graphic is that illustrated in FIG. 16.

Example 4

A cleaning implement which is a mitt and comprising a first member whichis a 60 gsm polyester nonwoven high loft batting material, Proef 1297available from Libeltex of Meulebeke Belgium, around and a second memberwhich is a three member laminate. The three member laminate contains a90 gsm two layer stretch laminate, namely 259-50-3 available fromTredegar of Richmond, Va. U.S.A., and a 30 gsm nonwoven, 008YLC009U,available from BBA of Nashville Tenn., U.S.A. The high loft battingmaterial is releasably carrying the personal care composition, which is85 gsm of BC20, available from Rhodia of France. Disposed on the outersurface side of the second nonwoven high loft batting material is thechild graphic illustrated in FIG. 12.

Example 5

A disposable mitt according to Example 4, except that the child graphicis that illustrated in FIG. 14.

Example 6

A disposable mitt according to Example 1, except that personal carecomposition comprises 15 gsm of a composition as follows: Component %wt. Sodium Laureth-3 Sulfate 63.5 Cocamidopropyl Betaine 23.5 PEG-200Glyceryl Tallowate 10.0 Polyquaternium-10 1.0 Preservative System 0.5Whitener 0.5 Perfume 0.5 Water (Quantity sufficient to 100%)

Example 7

A disposable mitt according to example 1 except that the child graphicis that illustrated in FIG. 23 and the benefit composition, which is ahard surface cleaning composition present at a level of 10 gsm, isspecifically one of A, B or C. Weight % Ingredients A B C Sodiumparaffin sulfonate 1.0 3 3 Alcohol ethoxylate 7EO 4 — — Alcoholethoxylate 30EO — 3 2 C12-14 EO21 alcohol ethoxylate 1.0 — — C12MBAE3*5.0 1 2 Sodium Citrate 3 3 3 Butylcarbitol^(R) 4 4 4 Triethanolamine 1 11 water & minors Quantity sufficient up to 100% (qs to 100%)*MBAE: mid-chain branched alkyl polyoxyalkylene surfactant having anaverage of three ethylene oxide groups.

Example 8

A disposable mitt according to Example 7, except that the hard surfacecleaning composition is a glass cleaning composition selected from oneof D, E or F: Ingredient (% by weight) D E F Ethanol 2.8 2.8 2.8Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether 2.8 2.8 2.8 *C9MBAS 0.3 0.3 — SodiumAlkyl (C₈, C₁₂, and C₁₄) Sulfate 0.2 — 0.2 Versaflex 7000 — — 0.1Versaflex 2004 — 0.1 — Polymer¹ 0.1 — — Perfume, NaOH (to adjust pH to9.5), qs to 100% and water to balance %*MBAS: mid-chain branched alkyl sulfonate surfactant.Versaflex 2004 and 7000 are sodium sulfonated polystyrenes from NationalStarch and Chemical Company.¹Vinyl pyrrolidone/acrylic acid copolymer (MW about 250,000)

Example 9

A disposable mitt according to FIG. 4 except that the child graphic isthat illustrated in FIG. 27 and the benefit composition, which is aLDL(Light duty detergent) composition present at a level of 25 gsm, isspecifically one of G, H, or J. weight % Ingredients G H J C₁₂-C₁₅ Alkylsulphate — 28.0 25.0 C₁₂-C₁₃ Alkyl (E_(0.6-3)) sulfate 30 — — C₁₂ Amineoxide 5.0 3.0 7.0 C₁₂-C₁₄ Betaine 3.0 — 1.0 C₁₂-C₁₄ Polyhydroxy fatty —1.5 — acid amide C₁₀ Alcohol Ethoxylate E₉ ¹ 2.0 — 4.0 Diamine² 1.0 —7.0 Mg²⁺ (as MgCl₂) 0.25 — — Citrate as K(citrate) 0.25 — — Minors andwater³ qs to 100% qs to 100% qs to 100% pH of a 10% aqueous solution 910 10 adjusted to¹E₉ Ethoxylated Alcohols as sold by the Shell Oil Co.²1,3-diaminopentane sold as Dytek EP.³Includes perfumes, dyes, ethanol, etc.

Example 10

A disposable mitt according to Example 9, except that the LDL isselected from one of L, M or N. weight % Ingredients L M N C₁₂-C₁₃ Alkyl(E_(0.6-3)) sulfate — 15.0 10.0 Paraffin sulfonate 20.0 — — Na C₁₂-C₁₃linear 5.0 15.0 12.0 alkylbenzene sulfonate C₁₂-C₁₄ Betaine 3.0 1.0 —C₁₂-C₁₄ Polyhydroxy fatty 3.0 — 1.0 acid amide C₁₀ Alcohol Ethoxylate E₉¹ — — 20.0 Diamine² 1.0 — 7.0 DTPA³ — 0.2 — Mg²⁺ (as MgCl₂) 1.0 — — Ca²⁺(as Ca(citrate)₂) — 0.5 — Protease⁴ 0.01 — 0.05 Amylase⁵ — 0.05 0.05Hydrotrope⁶ 2.0 1.5 3.0 Minors and water⁷ qs to 100% qs to 100% qs to100% pH of a 10% aqueous solution 9.3 8.5 11 adjusted to¹E₉ Ethoxylated Alcohols as sold by the Shell Oil Co.²1,3-bis(methylamino)cyclohexane.³Diethylenetriaminepentaacetate.⁴Suitable protease enzymes include Savinase ®; Maxatase ®; Maxacal ®;Maxapem 15 ®; subtilisin BPN and BPN′; Protease B; Protease A; ProteaseD; Primase ®; Durazym ®; Opticlean ®; and Optimase ®; and Alcalase ®.⁵Suitable amylase enzymes include Termamyl ®, Fungamyl ®; Duramyl ®;BAN ®, and the amylases as described in WO95/26397 and in co-pendingapplication by Novo Nordisk PCT/DK/96/00056.⁶Suitable hydrotropes include sodium, potassium, ammonium orwater-soluble substituted ammonium salts of toluene sulfonic acid,naphthalene sulfonic acid, cumene sulfonic acid, xylene sulfonic acid.⁷Includes perfumes, dyes, ethanol, etc.

Example 11

A disposable mitt according to Example 10, except that the LDL isselected from one of P, Q, R or S. weight % Ingredients P Q R S C₁₂-C₁₅Alkyl (E₁) sulfate — 30.0 — — C₁₂-C₁₅ Alkyl (E_(1.4)) sulfate 30.0 —27.0 — C₁₂-C₁₅ Alkyl (E_(2.2)) sulfate — — — 15 C₁₂ Amine oxide 5.0 5.05.0 3.0 C₁₂-C₁₄ Betaine 3.0 3.0 — — C₁₀ Alcohol Ethoxylate E₉ ¹ 2.0 2.02.0 2.0 Diamine² 1.0 2.0 4.0 2.0 Mg²⁺ (as MgCl₂) 0.25 0.25 — — Ca²⁺ (asCa(citrate)₂) — 0.4 — — Polymeric suds booster³ 0.5 1.0 0.75 5.0 Minorsand water⁴ qs to qs to qs to qs to 100% 100% 100% 100% pH of a 10%aqueous solution 7.4 7.6 7.4 7.8 adjusted to¹E₉ Ethoxylated Alcohols as sold by the Shell Oil Co.²1,3-diaminopentane sold as Dytek EP.³LX1279 available from Baker Petrolite.⁴Includes perfumes, dyes, ethanol, etc.

Example 12

A disposable mitt according to example 1 except that the child graphicis that illustrated in FIG. 20 and the benefit composition, which is ahair care composition present at a level of 30 gsm, is specifically oneof T, U, V or W. T U V W Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6SodiumTrideceth Sulfate 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 PEG-6 Cocamide — 1.0 — — PEG-6Lauramide — — 1.0 — PEG-3 Cocamide — — — 1.0 Quaternium-22 0.37 0.370.37 0.37 Glycerin 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate 1.01.0 1.0 1.0 POE 80 Sorbitan Monolaurate 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 SodiumLaureth-13 Carboxylate 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 Polyquaternium 10 0.14 0.140.14 0.14 Cocamidopropyl Betaine 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 Tetrasodium EDTA 0.100.10 0.10 0.10 Quaternium 15 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Citric Acid, USP 0.100.10 0.10 0.10 Water Quantity sufficient

Example 13

A disposable mitt according to example 4 except that the child graphicis that illustrated in FIG. 21 and the benefit composition, which is asunscreen composition present at a level of 30 gsm, which is prepared inthe following fashion: An emulsifier or water-insoluble phase isprepared by blending, at room temperature, cetyl dimethicone copolyol,polyglyceryl-3-distearate, polyglycery-4 isostearate, cetyl dimethylcopolyol, hexyl laurate, caprylic and/or capric triglyceride,propylparaben, methylparaben, p-methoxycinnamate, ethylhexyl salicylate,oxybenzone, minor ingredients, and about 0.12% by emulsion weight of acolor blend of D&C Green #6, D&C Red #12, and D&C Violet #2 in suitableproportions to make a purple emulsion. Separately, an aqueous phase isprepared by combining, at room temperature, deionized water, aloe veragel, sodium chloride, chamomile extract, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), andminor ingredients.

The two phases are then combined by adding the water phase to theemulsifier phase with constant mixing. The mixture is then homogenizedwith a suitable homogenizing mill until the required viscosity isreached.

The resulting sunscreen is applied to the mitt.

Example 14

A disposable child sized article according to example 1 except that thechild graphic is that illustrated in FIG. 19 and the benefitcomposition, which is a hair care composition present at a level of 35gsm, is specifically one of X, Y, Z, AA or BB.

About one-third to all of the total sulfate surfactant (added as a 25%solution) is added to a jacketed mix tank and heated to about 74° C.with slow agitation to form a surfactant solution. Cocamide MEA andfatty alcohol, as applicable, are added to the tank and allowed todisperse. Ethylene glycol distearate (EGDS), as applicable, is thenadded to the mixing vessel, and melted. After the EGDS is well dispersed(usually about 5 to 20 minutes) polyethylene glycol and thepreservative, if used are added and mixed into the surfactant solution.This mixture is passed through a heat exchanger where it is cooled toabout 35° C. and collected in a finishing tank. As a result of thiscooling step, the ethylene glycol distearate crystallizes to form acrystalline network in the product. The remainder of the surfactant andother ingredients including the silicone emulsions are added to thefinishing tank with ample agitation to insure a homogeneous mixture. Asufficient amount of the silicone emulsions are added to provide thedesired level of dimethicone in the final product. Water dispersiblepolymers are typically dispersed in water as a 1% to 10% solution beforeaddition to the final mix. Once all ingredients have been added,ammonium xylene sulfonate or additional sodium chloride can be added tothe mixture to thin or thicken respectively to achieve a desired productviscosity. Preferred viscosities range from about 2500 to about 9000 cSat 25° C. (as measured by a Wells-Brookfield cone and plate viscometerat 15/s). The resulting composition is then applied to the mitt.Component (% by weight) X Y Z AA BB Ammonium AES¹ 9.00 9.00 14.0 14.8512.50 Cocamidopropylbetaine 1.70 1.70 2.70 1.85 4.20 Polyquaternium-10²0.05 0.02 0.15 0.15 0.15 Cocamide MEA 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0 CetylAlcohol 0 0 0.42 0.42 0.42 Stearyl Alcohol 0 0 0.18 0.18 0.18 EthyleneGlycol Distearate 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 EP Silicone³ 3.0 2.5 3.0 2.03.0 Perfume Solution 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 DMDM Hydantoin 0.37 0.370.37 0.37 0.37 Color Solution (ppm) 64 64 64 64 64 Water and Minors q.s.to 100%¹Ammonium Laureth sulfate having an average ethoxylation of about 3 EO.²Polyquaternium-10 is JR30M, a cationic cellulose derived polymeravailable from Amerchol.³EP Silicone is an experimental emulsion polymerized polydimethylsiloxane of about 335,000 csk with particle size of approximately 500 nmmade via linear feedstock available from Dow Corning (2-1520; PE106004).

Example 15

A disposable child sized article according to example 1 except that thechild graphic is that illustrated in FIG. 20 and the benefitcomposition, which is a sunscreen composition present at a level of 35gsm, and comprises water, Titanium Dioxide, Xanthan Gum, Cocamide DEA,Neodol 1-7, Neodol 25-7, C12-15 Amine Oxide, glycerin, IPBC, 10,000 cSt.Silicone Fluid, Silicone Antifoam Emulsion,Fragrance2-ethylhexyl-p-methoxycinnamate,2,2′-dihydroxy4,4′-dimethoxybenzophenone, zinc oxide, andpolyacrtlamide.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, inrelevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of anydocument is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. A disposable nonwoven mitt adapted to fit on a child's hand, saidmitt comprising: (a) first and second nonwoven sheet members in anoverlying relationship, said members defining an interior volume forreceiving said child's hand, each of said first and second nonwovensheet members including an exterior surface, having an opposing interiorsurface, a top edge, a bottom edge opposing said top edge, and first andsecond opposed side edges, said first and second nonwoven sheet membersbeing permanently secured to each other along the periphery of said topedge and both of said first and second opposed side edges, with saidbottom edges being unsecured so as to provide a substantial accessopening to said interior volume for readily inserting said child's handtherein; (b) a benefit composition, said wherein at least one of saidfirst and second sheet members is releasably carrying said benefitcomposition; and (c) child graphic disposed on at least one of saidfirst and second sheet members.
 2. The disposable nonwoven mittaccording to claim 1 wherein said benefit composition is selected fromthe group consisting of cleaning compositions, moisturizingcompositions, medicinal compositions, cosmetic compositions, personalcleansing compositions, polishing compositions, germicidal compositions,wax compositions, perfume compositions, dishwashing compositions, hardsurface cleaning compositions and glass cleaning compositions, and woodcleaning compositions.
 3. The disposable nonwoven mitt according toclaim 1 wherein said child graphic is disposed on said first nonwovensheet member.
 4. The disposable nonwoven mitt according to claim 1wherein said child graphic is disposed on said second nonwoven sheetmember.
 5. The disposable nonwoven mitt according to claim 1 whereinsaid child graphic is in the form of photographs, drawings, cartoons,symbols and combinations thereof.
 6. The disposable nonwoven mittaccording to claim 1 wherein said disposable nonwoven mitt isthumb-less.
 7. The disposable nonwoven mitt according to claim 1 whereinsaid disposable nonwoven mitt comprises one or more thumbs.
 8. Thedisposable nonwoven mitt according to claim 1 wherein said disposablenonwoven mitt comprises (d) a second child graphic disposed on at leastone of said first and second sheet members.
 9. The disposable nonwovenmitt according to claim 1 wherein said child graphic is appealing to achild of from about three years old to about five years old.
 10. Thedisposable nonwoven mitt according to claim 1 wherein said child graphicis appealing to a child of from about six years old to about nine yearsold.
 11. The disposable nonwoven mitt according to claim 1 wherein saidchild graphic is selected from the group consisting of graphicsappealing to girls, graphics appealing to boys' gender neutral graphicsand combinations thereof.
 12. The disposable nonwoven mitt according toclaim 1 wherein said child graphic comprises a character graphic. 13.The disposable nonwoven mitt according to claim 12 wherein saidcharacter graphic is in the form of photographs, drawings, cartoons,symbols and combinations thereof.
 14. The disposable nonwoven mittaccording to claim 12 wherein said character graphic is selected fromthe group consisting of graphics appealing to girls, graphics appealingto boys' gender neutral graphics and combinations thereof.
 15. Thedisposable nonwoven mitt according to claim 12 wherein said childgraphic comprises two or more character graphics.
 16. The disposablenonwoven mitt according to claim 12 wherein said character graphic isappealing to a child of from about three years old to about five yearsold.
 17. The disposable nonwoven mitt according to claim 12 wherein saidcharacter graphic is appealing to a child of from about six years old toabout nine years old.
 18. The disposable nonwoven mitt according toclaim 1 wherein said child graphic is a registered graphic.
 19. Thedisposable nonwoven mitt according to claim 1 wherein said disposablenonwoven mitt is one component of a system of consumer products.
 20. Thedisposable nonwoven mitt according to claim 1 wherein said child graphicis a cartoon of an animal selected from the group consisting ofamphibians, turtles, monkeys, automobiles and combination thereof. 21.The disposable nonwoven mitt according to claim 1 wherein said charactergraphic is selected from the group consisting of animals, objects andcombinations thereof.
 22. The disposable nonwoven mitt according toclaim 1 wherein said child graphics are registered graphics.
 23. Thedisposable nonwoven mitt according to claim 1 wherein at least a portionof least one of said first and second sheet members comprises one ormore raised region.
 24. The disposable nonwoven mitt according to claim23 wherein at least a portion of least one of said first and secondsheet members comprises one or more lowered region.
 25. The disposablenonwoven mitt according to claim 24 wherein said raised region is in theform of logos, indicia, trademarks, geometric patterns, images andcombinations thereof.
 26. The disposable nonwoven mitt according toclaim 23 wherein said raised region is arranged randomly on least one ofsaid first and second sheet members.
 27. The disposable nonwoven mittaccording to claim 23 wherein said at least a portion of least one ofsaid first and second sheet members comprises two or more raised regionsarranged in a repetitive pattern.
 28. The disposable nonwoven mittaccording to claim 23 wherein said child graphic is substantiallycomplementary with one of said at least one raised region.
 29. Thedisposable nonwoven mitt according to claim 1 wherein at least a portionof least one of said first and second sheet members comprises one ormore lowered region.
 30. The disposable nonwoven mitt according to claim29 wherein at least a portion of least one of said first and secondsheet members comprises one or more raised region.
 31. The disposablenonwoven mitt according to claim 29 wherein said lowered region is inthe form of logos, indicia, trademarks, geometric patterns, images andcombinations thereof.
 30. The disposable nonwoven mitt according toclaim 29 wherein said lowered region is arranged randomly on saidnonwoven member.
 31. The disposable nonwoven mitt according to claim 29wherein said at least a portion of least one of said first and secondsheet members comprises two or more lowered regions arranged in arepetitive pattern.
 32. The disposable nonwoven mitt according to claim29 wherein said child graphic is substantially complementary with one ofsaid at least one lowered region.
 33. A disposable nonwoven mitt adaptedto fit on a child's hand, said mitt comprising: (a) first and secondnonwoven sheet members in an overlying relationship, said membersdefining an interior volume for receiving said child's hand, each ofsaid first and second nonwoven sheet members including an exteriorsurface, having an opposing interior surface, a top edge, a bottom edgeopposing said top edge, and first and second opposed side edges, saidfirst and second nonwoven sheet members being permanently secured toeach other along the periphery of said top edge and both of said firstand second opposed side edges, with said bottom edges being unsecured soas to provide a substantial access opening to said interior volume forreadily inserting said child's hand therein; (b) a benefit composition,said wherein at least one of said first and second sheet members isreleasably carrying said benefit composition; (c) child graphic disposedon at least one of said first and second sheet members; and (d) a usageindicator.
 34. The disposable nonwoven mitt according to claim 33wherein said usage indicator is selected from the group consisting of pHchange indicator, a temperature change indicator, time change indicatorand combinations thereof.
 35. The disposable nonwoven mitt according toclaim 33 wherein said usage indicator provides a visual signal duringuse of said article that at least a portion of said benefit compositionhas been released from said nonwoven member.
 36. The disposable nonwovenmitt according to claim 33 wherein said usage indicator is a childgraphic.